Lawmakers question NASA's budget proposal

Hall was joined in his criticism by ranking member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), who said she was disappointed by the president's budget request.

“I had thought that the Administration agreed with the compromise that was enacted into law, but I am afraid that I do not see it reflected in the proposed NASA budget request," Johnson said, telling Bolden he needs to work with lawmakers, "not simply tell us what you can’t do."

“The most constructive approach for all of us here is to consider the budget request that you will present today as the beginning of the discussion, not the end."

NASA officials will likely face more tough questions from the Senate Commerce Committee at Wednesday's hearing on "programmatic challenges in the 21st century."